Leadership experience is a must for teenagers today. The more experience they have, the easier they can find jobs right out of high school. Leadership experience can also help teens who want to go to college get into school and enroll in more competitive programs. As the parent of a teenager, you might worry that your child spends too much time hanging out at home or with friends and playing video games, but there are some ways you can encourage your teen to get active and develop strong skills while also gaining leadership experience.
After-School Jobs
After-school jobs are one of the best ways for teenagers to get more leadership experience and to learn practical skills. Many fast food restaurants hire teenagers to work different stations where they make dishes like fries and sandwiches. They can also work the register and learn how to handle sums of money and work with the general public. Teens can find work in shops and other places too. Some might want to work with autistic children after school or babysit young children in the summer.
Training Centers
Some employers won’t hire workers unless they have experience, but teenagers often have little in the way of experience. Government training centers make it easier for teens to get the experience they need to qualify for different youth jobs. These programs teach teens specific skills and help prepare them for working in different industries. Some programs even go through the application and interview stages to help teens know what to expect when they apply for jobs and go on job interviews. Teens can choose between programs that train them on working in certain industries like the business world, retail or construction.
School Clubs and Activities
Teenagers can gain leadership experience through clubs and activities that their schools offer too. Many clubs hold elections each year and allow others to vote on those who will take on roles like president and treasurer of the club. The treasurer is responsible for handling the money that the club raises through dues and fundraising, while the president handles the running of meetings. Even if your teen does not work in one of these positions, he or she can gain leadership experience raising money for the club and working in small groups.
Online Programs
Depending on where your family lives, you may find that your teen doesn’t have the same opportunities that others do. Urban school districts often cut clubs and activities because there are not enough funds available. If you work full-time outside of the home and live far away from the school, your teen may not join clubs because hr or she doesn’t have a ride home. Online programs offer plenty of opportunities for teens. They can sign up for an online tutoring or mentoring program and work with younger kids. Don’t discount video games either. Those that feature guilds can help teens develop strong leadership and organization skills as they work with their teams.
Leadership is a skill that some people develop at an early age but one that others develop later in life. Being a good leader can help your teen get into a good college and find a good job too. Teens can develop leadership skills through online and government programs and in clubs or after-school jobs.
